Two young men riding on a motorcycle were shot dead at a checkpoint operated by the Military Council troops on the Myeik-Kawthoung Union highway in Tanintharyi Region, after being accused of being members of People's Defense Forces (PDF), locals said.

Two individuals who were shot were actually cousins who were engaged in orchard farming. While out purchasing necessary materials for their orchard, they unfortunately encountered this tragic incident.

"While being checked at the checkpoint, a soldier accused them of being members of the PDF and ordered their arrest. Fearing for their safety, they attempted to flee on their motorcycle but were fatally shot by the soldiers”, A 35-year-old Pawa villager said. Ko Pyae Sone Aung recounted these experiences while receiving medical treatment on the brink of death.

The two cousins were shot dead at the checkpoint of the Military Council in Kanmalaing village, Tamutchone village tract in Tanintharyi Township on March 25th.

Ko Than Lin Chit, the elder one, who was riding on the back of the motorcycle, fell down and died instantly after being surrounded and fired upon.

Despite his injuries, 18-year-old Ko Pyae Sone Aung was able to ride his motorcycle back to Pawa village, but unfortunately passed away while receiving medical treatment.

According to a source close to him, he was struck by three bullets in the back and received life-saving treatment at a clinic but died over an hour later.

On the day that the two cousins were killed, soldiers manning the checkpoint also apprehended two other men on a motorcycle, according to locals.

Tanintharyi Township has been under martial law, and since March 16th, the Military Council has deployed a massive military force to conduct clearance operations divided into three separate columns.

According to an official PDF statement, there are significant military tensions between these Military Council's columns and the local PDF joint resistance forces.